Weaver: Beyond the Numbers

Welcome to another episode of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, Location Cubed, which examines the complexities of real estate investment and market dynamics with Howard Altshuler and Aaron Grisz. James Hill, the director of the Center for Real Estate at Texas Christian University (TCU), shares his insights on the evolution of TCU’s real estate program, the strategic importance of practical industry experience for students and the critical role of water management in supporting North Texas' rapid growth.

Key Points:

• TCU’s Center for Real Estate emphasizes integrating real-world experiences into its curriculum to prepare students for industry demands.

• Collaboration across counties and states provides a crucial step in sustainable water supply and infrastructure development in North Texas.

• Effective real estate development and water resources management are vital for Fort Worth’s continued expansion.

Hill discusses the transformation of TCU's Center for Real Estate from a small program to a significant force in real estate education. With a focus on practical learning, Hill highlights the importance of industry collaboration to provide students with hands-on experience. He also talks about the strategic initiatives in Fort Worth's water management, emphasizing the need for long-term planning and cooperation across regions to ensure sustainable growth.

"Real estate is a practicum industry,” Hill said. “The value proposition of college today is not just learning from books but from real-world professionals who bring the classroom to life."

Subscribe and listen to future episodes of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, Location Cubed, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

©2024

In this episode of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, Location Cubed, Howard Altshuler and Aaron Grisz sit down for a conversation with Selina McUmber, managing director, valuation services. Together, they explore the complexities of real estate valuations, focusing on the importance of cadence and rhythm in the process, particularly regarding fund clients. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to real estate, this episode offers valuable insights into the strategies and challenges of navigating today’s real estate market.

Key Points:

• Cadence and rhythm in valuations ensure timely and accurate reporting for real estate funds.

• Higher rates increase the cost of debt servicing, leading to downward pressure on property prices and challenging underwriting assumptions.

• Valuations with limited market transactions require detailed analysis and client insights to reflect current market conditions accurately.

Altshuler, Grisz and McUmber examine the intricacies of real estate valuations, discussing how timing, market data and client collaboration are crucial to the process. McUmber emphasizes the importance of understanding the market participants’ perspectives as their insights can significantly influence the valuation outcomes. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced when there is a wide bid-ask spread, particularly in today’s market, where transactions may be scarce.

"Valuation is not just about numbers; it's about understanding the market's pulse and reflecting that in every assessment," McUmber said, underscoring the episode's central theme—real estate valuation is as much an art as a science. The discussion also highlights the need for appraisers to be adaptable, especially when dealing with fluctuating market conditions where traditional valuation methods may need adjustments to align with current realities.

Subscribe and listen to future episodes of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, Location Cubed, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

©2024

Welcome to another episode of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, Location Cubed, which examines the complexities of real estate investment and market dynamics. In this episode, Howard Altshuler and Aaron Grisz discuss the challenges and opportunities of today’s real estate landscape with Dan Thomas, founder and president of DT Capital.

Key Points:

• Prioritize lower leverage in real estate investments to mitigate risk during market downturns.

• Regularly monitor and adjust financing strategies to ensure alignment with current market conditions.

• Collaborate closely with lenders to maintain flexibility in loan terms and protect investment returns during economic shifts.

Thomas shares his extensive experience in the real estate sector, focusing on how he navigated the challenges of different market cycles, including the aftermath of the 1986 Tax Reform Act and the Great Financial Crisis. His insights reveal the importance of careful leverage management and understanding market dynamics, particularly in multifamily and commercial properties.

"Leverage is a two-edged sword; it can amplify your returns, but it also increases risk, especially in a volatile market,” Thomas explained. His approach to real estate investment emphasizes the need for conservative financing and meticulous oversight of project execution, ensuring long-term success even in uncertain economic conditions.

Subscribe and listen to future episodes of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, Location Cubed, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

©2024

This episode of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers features how Momentum's strategic approach to SOC audits has driven both security enhancement and business growth. Hosts Lulu Hernandez Walker and Alexis Kennedy welcome Seth Sageser from Momentum. The discussion highlights the evolution of their partnership, focusing on how Momentum expanded its SOC audit practices from two to six audits, resulting in a stronger security posture and a competitive edge in the market.

Key Points:

• Momentum's growth strategy included expanding from two SOC audits to six across multiple companies, driving a comprehensive approach to security.

• The strategic partnership between Weaver and Momentum focuses on continuous improvement, adapting SOC processes to meet evolving needs.

• Momentum’s proactive approach to security audits has enhanced customer trust and streamlined their compliance efforts, ensuring long-term success.

In this episode, Walker and Kennedy engage with Sageser from Momentum to discuss the evolution of their partnership. The conversation highlights how Momentum's commitment to intentional, strategic SOC audits has been pivotal in its growth. By expanding from two SOC audits to six across various companies, Momentum has met compliance requirements and strengthened its overall security posture. This approach has allowed them to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

“Not all vendors are partners,” Sageser said, reflecting on the importance of Weaver's role in Momentum's journey. "But over the last three years, you’ve shown up and shown out for us, especially during challenging times like COVID and with the 2023 SOC guidance changes. Your ability to adapt and push us forward has made you a true partner." This quote encapsulates the essence of the discussion—how a strategic and adaptable approach to SOC audits can significantly improve security and business operations.

Subscribe and listen to future episodes of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

©2024

This episode of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, The Alternative Edge, explores the latest trends and strategies in the alternative investments world. In this episode, host Becky Reeder, partner-in-charge, Alternative Investments at Weaver, sits down with David Burch, founder and fund manager of Atlas Fund, Ltd., to discuss Burch’s 30-year journey in the investment industry including memorable investment wins, key strategies for emerging fund managers and the transformative role of AI in finance. Join the conversation to gain invaluable insights into managing a successful hedge fund and navigating the evolving investment landscape.

Key Points:

• Birch shares highlights and learning opportunities in his transition from accounting to investment management and why he chose a hedge fund vehicle.

• This episode explores various fundraising approaches, the importance of selecting reputable service providers and other tactical strategies for emerging fund managers.

• Additional topics include remaining at the forefront of market dynamics, navigating through market turbulence and embracing cutting-edge technology such as AI.

Burch shares his unique journey from public accounting to managing a successful hedge fund, offering invaluable insights for emerging managers. He advises new fund managers to know themselves as investors and stick to what they know while emphasizing the importance of a long-term perspective, cautioning against excessive risk-taking and leveraging for quick gains.

“Minimizing losses is really important, and I think that, for instance, in 2008, and also 2000, for that matter, many funds were blown up,” Burch said. “I sell stock. If I don't like the market, I get out.”

Subscribe and listen to future episodes of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, The Alternative Edge, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

©2024